Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Resistance Exercise Training to Improve Bone and Articular Cartilage Health in Women

This study investigates how different resistance exercises can improve bone and joint health in women aged 50-70. Many women, especially after menopause, face conditions like weak bones (osteoporosis) and worn-down joints (osteoarthritis), as well as muscle loss as they get older. Researchers will compare two types of exercise – one focusing on quick, explosive movements and another on slower, heavier lifting – against a non-exercising group. They'll measure changes in bone density, joint cartilage, and muscle size using scans, as well as blood and urine tests. The goal is to understand which exercise approach is most effective in preventing and managing these common age-related conditions.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Loughborough University

Enrolment target

110

Start

01 Mar 2022

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Osteoporosis Osteoarthritis

What is this study about?

This research study is looking into how different forms of resistance exercise can help improve the health of your bones and joints. Conditions like osteoporosis, which makes bones weak and fragile, and osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear on your joints, become more common as we get older, especially for women after menopause. Losing muscle strength and size with age, called sarcopenia, also contributes to these issues.

We know that resistance exercise is generally good for you and can help with many risk factors for these conditions. It's often recommended to prevent and manage them. However, there's not much clear information about how specific ways of exercising – like whether you lift quickly or slowly, or with lighter or heavier weights – affect your bones, cartilage, and muscles. This study aims to fill that gap by comparing two distinct exercise styles.

The main goal is to see which type of resistance training has the best impact on strengthening bones, protecting the cartilage in your knees and/or hips, and improving muscle health. By looking at these changes through special scans and blood tests, we hope to find clearer guidance on the most effective exercise strategies to keep you strong and active as you age.

Key takeaways

Study for women aged 50-70 after menopause.
Compares two types of resistance exercise for bone and joint health.
Involves 32 weeks of two supervised exercise sessions a week, or a non-exercising control group.
Uses scans (DXA, MRI) and blood tests to measure changes.
Aims to find the best exercise for preventing weak bones and joint wear.
Requires travel to Loughborough University for sessions and assessments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy women between 50 and 70 years old who have gone through menopause at least five years ago. You should be able to live independently and travel to Loughborough University for your appointments. It's important that you haven't been diagnosed with osteoporosis or knee osteoarthritis before, and don't have any other major medical conditions that could interfere with exercising or affect your bone and joint health.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having current knee, hip, or back pain, or any health issues that would make exercise unsafe, such as unstable angina, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of heart failure. If you're taking medications that affect your bone or cartilage, or if you regularly do resistance training or high-impact exercise already, you won't be suitable. We also can't include you if you have very high blood pressure, a high BMI (over 30), any metal implants that prevent an MRI, a high risk of osteoporosis that would mean you should already be on treatment, or a fracture in the past year.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 50 and 70 years old?
Did your last period or hormonal therapy end at least 5 years ago?
Can you travel to Loughborough University twice a week?
Are you generally healthy, without a previous diagnosis of osteoporosis or knee osteoarthritis?
Do you currently have any knee, hip, or back pain, or other chronic health conditions?
Are you currently doing regular resistance training (more than once a week)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, it will last for 32 weeks, which is about 8 months. First, there will be screening appointments to make sure you're suitable. Once confirmed, you'll have a few baseline measurements taken, including special scans of your bones (DXA), joints (MRI), and potentially other measurements like blood tests. You will then be randomly assigned to one of three groups: two exercise groups or a non-exercising control group.

If you're in an exercise group, you'll need to attend two supervised exercise sessions per week at Loughborough University. Each session will be no longer than 60 minutes, with about 30-40 minutes dedicated to exercise. After the 32 weeks, you'll have follow-up measurements, similar to your baseline tests, to see what changes have occurred. You won't be given any medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer you the benefit of improving your bone and joint health through supervised exercise, potentially reducing your risk of conditions like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. However, as with any exercise program, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or minor injury. The study involves health assessments including scans that use a very small amount of radiation (DXA), and MRI scans, which are generally very safe but can be uncomfortable for some. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Loughborough University
Verified postcode
Loughborough, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is resistance exercise?

Resistance exercise involves working your muscles against a force, like lifting weights, using exercise bands, or even using your own body weight, to make them stronger.

What's the difference between the two exercise groups?

One group will do quick, explosive resistance movements, while the other will focus on slower, heavier lifting. Both are types of resistance training.

Will I know which group I'm in?

Yes, once you're assigned to a group, you and the supervising researchers will know whether you're in an exercise group or the non-exercising control group.

Do I have to pay to take part?

No, you do not have to pay to take part in this study. All assessments and exercise sessions are provided free of charge.

What happens after the study ends?

After your final assessments, the study will conclude. You will not receive ongoing exercise coaching, but the results of the study may help inform future exercise guidelines.